Orchard Creek Cottages — Hotel in Spearfish

Recently stayed there with my family, upon entering thought it seemed nice until I started to look around and stayed a few days. It is in a decent part of town (not the issue) the accommodations are "so so" but the main thing I am going to mention here is the expectation of the host. We are reasonable people, responsible and have stayed at many Airbnb's, VRBO's. We actually have one ourselves, we try and be helpful as a host, give people the benefit of the doubt. Not this host! The actual stay was fine, minus the lady bug infestation inside and out (possibly not their fault) and lack of smoke alarm/co2 (we requested day 1). We did get that from the host (again no big deal) they forgot them during a remodel. Well what they call a "remodel" is cheap flooring not properly installed, cracks in the ceiling should be dealt with in the left bedroom. Not my choice in beds (myself and my spouse didn't sleep well, sore back, etc) but that's all okay. I don't have super high expectations. Here is the thing, we had 3 kids with us, ran out of paper towels (they gave us one roll for 3 days) and not enough plates (4 cups, 4 large/small plates/bowls) mind you it says accommodates 6 guests. All okay, missing many kitchen items too (cookie pan, strainer, etc) all ok we don't care nothing is perfect. Here is the complaint: we stripped the beds, started the towels in the wash, did the dishes, wiped the counters, table etc. Had to run to get TP cause they didn't provide enough (not really their fault) but we were 30 min later at check out. Mind you I apologized to the cleaning gal, "sorry we were cleaning up" her reply, "No problem, no need to clean anyway." We paid a cleaning fee too (so curious about why we did cause the host gave us a negative comment on Airbnb) so be aware. She's not realistic or flexible at all! I would never leave a bad review for someone who paid a cleaning fee and was trying to be helpful, if you have kids you realize things don't always go smoothly on checking out, this person must not have a clue but I will tell you terrible ending to what I was hoping would be a great stay. Oh well, life goes on but just thought I'd pass this on cause it was how it went. I don't recommend, but maybe she will be more accommodating now that I am posting this? Oh and if you want privacy no locks on the doors (including the bathroom) that's kind of annoying but could have let that go too, now I will mention it. Cattiness isn't a good trait...

Mark & Martha went to great lengths to make our stay comfortable and memorable, even inviting us to stay before they had technically opened for the season (yeah, I’m way late writing this review, we stayed in early May and it’s now August!). The rooms were comfortable and warmly furnished. Our cottage had a kitchenette, full-size frig, coffee maker, and a TV. It felt like a lodge as we had access to their backyard and grills. The cottages were on a cul-de-sac, there was no noise, except the song birds at sunrise. A welcome change from my urban environment.

If I were to make one suggestion, I would suggest that they install pull-down shades on the windows facing the street as our cottage faced that direction and the street lamp shone directly into our room at dawn onwards.

Be sure to check out Sanford’s Grill that is only stumblin, er, I mean, walking distance away. The portions are huge (consider sharing), and reasonably priced.

And the best part? Mark went to great lengths to help me with the logistics of proposing to my then-girlfriend. For example, I gave him money to purchase champagne and flowers to place in our room upon our return after I had proposed (on Iron Mountain Road, just past the bridge closest to Mt. Rushmore). He more than fulfilled the role of a trusted ops. man. Those touches meant a great deal to us and made the proposal look all the more planned and polished.

Overall, the price point was excellent, hosts outstanding, and location fantastic, (c’mon, Spearfish? How much better does it get?). Thank you Mark and Martha, you are incredibly gracious hosts! I recommend them and their Cottages with neither hesitation nor reservation, and thank them for their...

Spearfish SD is a cute little town. Really loved the whole atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains and lots of little shops and of course all the convinces of a big city. Well laid out. Then around the corner is the most beautiful Drive thru Canyon filled with waterfalls and trails. As for the cottages. Very friendly cozy experience. Clean and convenient. I was a little put off when I ordered a room that stated on Expedia that there was a futon. When we got there a small brown couch was in living room. However the host did offer to give us an air mattress which we refused. But they did give us a more blankets, pillows and a small vacuum. Host was always available for questions. Quick responses. I would 100% think about going back. Hot tub was big, warm and bubbly. Never an issue getting to use it. Near by a creek with a park. Lots of room to walk the dog. They didn't allow smoking or vaping in the cottage. But they also added no smoking or vaping on the property. Which to me is kind of an inconvenience esp since I vape and there isn't a butt to toss on the ground and Vaping isn't smoking. But it's not a deal breaker. They just want to preserve the quality of the area. Standards are nice to see in this world....